Biomonitoring of Genotoxicity in Pesticide Applicators by Buccal Micronucleus Assay

Pesticides constitute a heterogenous category of chemicals, large amounts of which are released into the environment posing a potential hazard to humans. The pesticide applicators are exposed to different groups of pesticides throughout the year. Misuse, failure of control measures or intensive use by the pesticide sprayers is associated with high genetic damage. In the present study, 70 pesticide applicators (45.74 ± 8.72 years.) exposed to different pesticides were analyzed for genotoxicity using buccal micronucleus test. Seventy control subjects (42.02±7.41 years.) matching the test applicators with respect to sex, age, diet, socio-economic status and alcoholic habits were simultaneously taken. The results revealed a statistically significant increase (p<0.001) in the buccal micronucleus frequency in the exposed subjects as compared to the controls. The effect of confounding factors such as gender, diet and drinking habits was also studied. The results indicated an increased genetic damage in the 70 pesticide applicators. However, it is difficult to attribute the damage to any particular chemical.